This weekend, to prepare for my trip to Greece, I registered with the US State Department in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is free to enroll and there are several benefits in doing so.
- Travel Alerts- This came in handy when my sister (who registered before me) got an email letting us know all public workers in Greece are striking…including air traffic controllers. Meaning fights will be impacted, eek! Luckily everything seems to have worked itself out, but if there are any changes we will know.
- Gives the US Embassy a way to contact you in case of an emergency
- Helps family and friends get in contact with you in case of an emergency
If you are a frequent traveler you can create an account, or if you are like me and travel here and there you can just register trips and your information before you travel. There is also an option for you to receive alerts and updates on safety conditions for any country of interest.
In today’s crazy world you can never be too prepared. By registering my trip it gave my family a little piece of mind. If something happens while my sister and I are away, it will be recorded that we are overseas and they will look to check in with us.
What do you do to prepare for a big trip?
Katy
